Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Barron's Writing · 2026-08-22

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people say that the best way to discourage smoking is to make smoking illegal in public places. Other people say that this is not enough and that other measures are needed.

Discuss both these views, and give your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer, and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 6.0)

It is often argued that people should keep their homes and workplaces clean, tidy, and well organised, with everything in its designated place. I strongly agree with this view because an orderly environment not only improves productivity but also contributes significantly to mental well-being and efficiency.

First and foremost, maintaining an organised environment can greatly enhance concentration and productivity. When people know exactly where their belongings and work materials are, they can access them quickly instead of wasting valuable time searching for misplaced items. This is particularly important in workplaces, where even small delays can accumulate and reduce overall efficiency. For example, an employee who keeps documents, stationery, and digital files systematically organised is likely to complete tasks more quickly than someone who works in a chaotic environment. In my experience, studying at a clean desk allows me to concentrate for longer because there are fewer distractions around me.

Furthermore, tidiness can have a positive impact on people's psychological well-being. A cluttered environment can create a sense of disorder and may make individuals feel overwhelmed, whereas a clean and organised space tends to promote calmness and mental clarity. After a demanding day at work, returning to a tidy home can therefore provide a relaxing atmosphere in which people can rest and recover. This is especially relevant today, when many individuals already experience considerable pressure from their professional and personal responsibilities.

However, it is important not to become excessively concerned with perfection. A home or workplace does not need to look immaculate at all times. The main objective should be functionality and cleanliness rather than creating an unrealistic standard of order.

In conclusion, I believe that keeping homes and workplaces tidy is highly beneficial because it saves time, increases productivity, reduces distractions, and supports mental well-being. Nevertheless, organisation should be practical rather than obsessive, allowing people to enjoy their surroundings without unnecessary pressure.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 2.0

The response is completely off-topic. The prompt asks for a discussion on the best way to discourage smoking (banning it in public places vs. other measures). However, the essay discusses the importance of keeping homes and workplaces clean and tidy. Because the student failed to address the task prompt entirely, this criterion is severely impacted. While the essay itself is well-structured and coherent, it does not fulfill the requirements of the task set by the examiner.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

Despite being off-topic, the essay demonstrates strong organizational skills. The ideas are logically sequenced, and the paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct points. Cohesive devices such as 'First and foremost', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the argument. The progression of ideas within the paragraphs is clear and logical, showing a good command of discourse markers.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The vocabulary used is precise and varied, demonstrating a good range of academic and natural language. Phrases like 'designated place', 'mental clarity', 'unrealistic standard', and 'professional and personal responsibilities' show a high level of lexical control. The student uses collocations effectively and maintains a consistent, formal tone throughout the writing. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional forms. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used accurately to enhance clarity. Examples such as 'When people know exactly where their belongings... they can access them quickly' demonstrate a solid grasp of complex sentence construction. The grammar is consistently accurate, with no noticeable errors that impede communication.

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